Roy C. Jones, CFRE
Most charities spend a lot of time telling their major donors and supporters about their “wish lists”. The things their charity wants to do if donors would just write them a check.
However, the secret to securing more major gifts is NOT telling your supporters your wish list, but getting them to tell you theirs. What are your donor’s dreams and desires for philanthropy. What are the things your donor would like to do if money were no object? What would they do for charity if suddenly they had all the money in the world?
Your relationships with your major donors should be cultivated to the point that they are not afraid to tell you their innermost dreams and secret wishes. What things would they like to do if God gave them the resources to do it?
My friend and co-worker at www.WorldHelp.net, Cyrus Mad-Bondo is from the Central African Republic. He knows something about dreams. He grew up on the the African continent and has worked to relieve suffering not only in the Central African Republic but has helped the poor, orphaned and suffering in Uganda, Zambia, Kenya and Rwanda. I have been with Cyrus when he talks with our supporters. Although, he has wishes, dreams and desires for our programs, he takes the time to ask his supporters, “What is your wish list? What would you do if suddenly money were not a concern?”
The amazing thing is that donors rarely pause when asked this question. If you’ll just be quite and listen, they will tell you their most intimate wishes of their heart… Then the work begins together to start fulfilling those dreams one project at a time.
